Chapter 85 Paying Wages to Celebrate Birthday
A few days before Jiang Ji went to the county school, Ye Li's family workshop was established.
Two days before Jiang Ji returned, the village workshop finally started work.
During this time, Jiang Dahe, Jiang Tong, and others did not stop for a single day.
Moreover, the wages have doubled.
Ye Li decided to keep things simple and combine the bonuses and wages, distributing the money to everyone at a rate of fifty coins per day, based on the number of days.
Jiang Ji had no objection.
The bonus should have been given in the first place.
So the two sat down at the table and began counting the coins.
Based on a 36-day period, at 50 coins per day, each person would receive 1,800 coins.
There are eight people in total: Jiang Dahe, Jiang Tong, Ye Adie, Jiang Liu, Liang Erxiang, Jiang Yu, Jiang Dachuan, and Ye Liang.
Thinking of the situation at the village workshop, Jiang Ji said, "Everyone still has a lot more work to do."
"I'll talk to my second uncle tomorrow and ask him to let us rent out this land next year so we can be landlords in peace."
Jiang Dahe's family of four all work in the workshop, so they definitely can't take care of the work in the fields.
Given Jiang Dahe's personality, he definitely wanted to farm the land himself, but the wages were so high. For his family of four, at 30 coins a day, that would amount to 3.6 taels a month.
Faced with these figures, it's obvious whether the workshop or the work in the fields is more important.
Ye Li nodded: "Then what about those few acres of land you rented to your second uncle?"
Jiang Ji: "Second Uncle certainly doesn't want to take advantage of us. Let him rent out the land as well, and we can just wait to harvest the grain."
Given our family's current food standards, it's definitely more cost-effective to eat the grains we grow ourselves.
Ye Li should be fine.
He couldn't be bothered to worry about it; if he could hand everything over to Jiang Dahe, he would definitely choose to do so.
In just a few words, the two finished counting tomorrow's wages.
The money is easy to count. Just break off a string of coins, count out two hundred coins, tie the remaining eight hundred coins together, and you're done.
At this time, Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya finished washing up. The two little ones wandered around the small living room for a while, and then obediently went back to their room to sleep.
They've been running around all day, and they're tired.
Ye Li and Jiang Ji then went to wash up.
There are still four large pots of hot water tonight.
I was too tired last night, so I should rest and recharge tonight.
But at their age, they are in great health and have a good appetite, especially Jiang Ji. To talk about health preservation would be an insult to him.
So the two of them still took a shower.
But tonight they were much more relaxed, without the impatience of last night.
After returning to the kang (heated brick bed), the two served each other for a while, then moved the kang table to the middle of the kang, and sat down to play.
It must be said that this kang table is really sturdy; even with the two of them moving around like this, it remains firmly in place.
Unfortunately, the indoor temperature was a bit low, so the two couldn't enjoy themselves as much as they would in the summer.
In the end, the two lay back in bed and used the same position as last night.
Looking at the other person's face, kissing their lips, apart from their slightly slender legs, they were truly perfect.
Although I can't sleep until 10 o'clock tomorrow, this kind of night is really intoxicating. It's freezing cold outside, but the temperature inside the quilt keeps rising.
This was time just for the two of them, undisturbed by anyone.
The other party was very close.
Compared to the loneliness of the past month, how could the two of them bear to fall asleep so easily?
They wished the night could last twelve hours, so they could embrace each other longer.
Snowflakes began to fall outside at some unknown time.
Snowflakes fell gently, and by the time Jiang Rong and Jiang Dahe got up at the workshop, the snow was already ankle-deep.
Jiang Dahe wrapped his rabbit-skin coat tighter around himself. In fact, he usually couldn't bear to wear this coat. Jiang Ji had bought it for him in the prefectural city for several hundred coins, and he cherished it.
However, there was no kang (heated brick bed) in the workshop, and the small hut was built hastily, so it was very damp inside.
Therefore, Jiang Liu made him wear this jacket, and at night it was placed on the bedding. It was heavy and very warm.
As the saying goes, a timely snowfall promises a bumper harvest.
Snow is definitely a good thing.
But if the workshop is to start operating, the mill shed and stove shed will be missing a wall, making it almost like an open-air operation.
Today's work is going to be tough.
Soon, the men in charge of grinding tofu arrived with their livestock.
Jiang Fuzheng also came over.
The snow was still falling, but much lighter. By the time it was fully light, the snow had only increased by half a finger's depth.
After breakfast, Jiang Ji called Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya to the small living room to check their homework.
Ye Li sat to the side, eating melon seeds and enjoying the snow while watching this scene.
The two little ones have put in a lot of effort, especially Jiang Mai, who has memorized the Three Character Classic. He not only recognizes all the characters in the text, but also writes them quite well.
Jiang Ji was quite satisfied, as both diligence and talent are indispensable for studying.
Jiang Mai has a good memory and is a reliable person. The basic conditions for taking this path are met; the rest is up to fate.
Praised by his older brother, Jiang Mai puffed out his chest, looking proud.
Seeing this, Ye Li smiled and said, "Xiaomai, you work quite hard every day. How about this: every time your older brother checks your homework, if he's satisfied, I'll give you a reward. What do you say?"
“I won’t pay you much. Five coins a day, that’ll be 150 coins a month, which isn’t even as much as Brother Ya’s wages.”
"Send it to me?"
Jiang Mai was surprised; he hadn't even achieved anything in his studies yet.
He shook his head and said, "I haven't passed the imperial examination yet, and I haven't done any work. This is not fair to Ya-ge'er."
"..."
This little brat is quite particular.
Jiang Ya, who was standing nearby, immediately said, "Second Brother, you take it. I'm not angry."
His second brother studies very hard every day.
"That's right, you didn't slack off."
“When your older brother checks your homework, it’s like a monthly exam. If you can satisfy your older brother every time, shouldn’t you get a reward?”
Ye Li asked.
Jiang Mai: "...An exam every month?"
"That's right. It will be at least ten years before you take the imperial examination to become a scholar. We need to find out how well you've learned in the meantime."
"So, your older brother should take a test every month. That way, it will be clear how well you're doing each month."
"If they do well in their studies, they will be rewarded."
“If you don’t study well, your older brother will be able to spot the problem in time.”
Ye Li knew better than anyone the importance of monthly exams.
Jiang Mai: "..."
That makes a lot of sense.
At this moment, Jiang Ji raised his big hand and patted his small shoulder: "It's settled then. I'll check on you once a month. If you do well, you'll get a reward."
"If there are any problems, we'll resolve them as soon as possible."
As soon as Jiang Ji spoke, Jiang Mai was free of any worries.
His older brother agreed, so he'll definitely be fine.
After all, it's free money.
He never expected that such a good thing would happen to him.
Li Ge is so nice!
I can never forget him!
Seeing that he agreed, Ye Li smiled and said, "That's more like it. You didn't go out to play; you went to study. With your diligence, you'll at least be able to work as an accountant in the workshop in the future."
Jiang Mai: "..."
He wants to take the imperial examination to become a scholar!
Brother Li, don't curse him.
Ye Li didn't notice Jiang Mai's resentful look. He said to Jiang Ji, "Alright, alright, let's check Ya Ge'er's homework."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ya immediately cleared her throat, put her hands behind her back, shook her head, and began to carry them on her back by herself.
"At birth, human nature is good... As a child, one should..."
His big eyes darted around, his little hands scratched his head, and he got stuck.
He was not as hardworking as Jiang Mai, and Jiang Ji and Ye Li did not have high expectations of him; they only required him to be literate and able to do accounting.
Therefore, he was reciting it haltingly at this moment, and only after Jiang Ji prompted him many times was he able to finish reciting it.
He only recognized half of the characters.
But Jiang Ji also praised him.
This made him a little embarrassed; he was far inferior to his second brother!
Seeing this, Ye Li smiled and said, "Ya Ge'er, you're great too. It's so cold, you'll have to filter the bean dregs later."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ya did not back down at all. He hurriedly said, "Then let's hurry up and finish the job so we can get our wages sooner."
He would never slack off.
Since he was so enthusiastic, Ye Li asked Jiang Ji to put the copper coins he had counted the day before into the basket.
Jiang Ji alone cannot carry such a large sum of money.
In addition, there was rice, noodles, meat, and a birthday gift prepared for Jiang Dahe.
So when Ye Liang arrived, Ye Li put the copper coins and gifts on the oxcart, which then pulled him over.
It snowed today, and Ye Liang arrived early.
Jiang Mai originally wanted to stay home to study, but Ye Li made him come along too.
It's important to balance work and rest.
When they arrived at the workshop, the beans had not yet been ground, but Uncle Ye, Liu Yi, Jiang Dahe and others had already started filtering the bean dregs.
Therefore, there will be quite a few people in the workshop.
The snowflakes were still falling, but very lightly. Ye Liang parked the oxcart in front of the stove shed.
Ye Li got off the oxcart and, seeing so many people, announced with a smile that wages would be paid.
Pay the workers!
What a beautiful three words.
This immediately drew the attention of everyone present, including the eight people grinding beans.
Although they didn't get paid today, they will get paid when Jiang Ji comes back next month!
Let's take a look and soak up some of the festive spirit!
Actually, compared to the income from egg-making, this wage isn't much.
But everyone was terrified of being poor, so even if it was only 800 coins, let alone 1,800, they would still be happy.
Therefore, every time Ye Li called out a name, someone would happily step forward and take the money.
Including Father Ye.
However, after taking it, he put it back on the oxcart, intending for Ye Liang to take it back that afternoon.
Ye Liang received his wages and put them in the basket along with his father's.
With so much money coming in all at once, this winter is truly warm!
At this rate, I should be able to rent a shop in town by next winter.
Setting up a stall in this weather is too much of a hardship for Xiaowen and her husband.
Soon, all eight people's wages were paid.
Ye Li picked up another basket and said with a smile, "Second Uncle, today is your birthday. Here, the workshop has promised a birthday gift: five catties of rice, five catties of flour, and five catties of pork belly!"
"They actually sent it?"
Jiang Dahe asked with a cheerful smile.
Actually, he had already seen what was in the basket, but he was always tongue-tied, so in his excitement he asked a pointless question.
Ye Li didn't take it seriously and said with a smile, "Of course, this was said by Uncle Jiang, and the whole village saw it."
"Second Uncle, take it quickly, and ask Second Aunt to stew meat for lunch."
"Yes!" Brother Jiang responded happily, took two steps forward, and took the basket from him.
Before he could turn around, Ye Li took out a cloth bundle from another basket: "Second Uncle, there's more."
"besides?"
Jiang Dahe was surprised.
"The rice, flour, and meat from earlier were provided by the workshop; this is what Jiang Ji and I bought."
Ye Li opened the package, revealing a lambswool vest, or waistcoat.
Lambswool is softer and warmer, making it ideal for Jiang Dahe, who was keeping watch at night in the workshop.
Jiang Dahe was taken aback by this turn of events. He was stunned for a moment, then grinned and laughed.
Getting married really changes things; this second uncle even started accepting Xiao Ji's gifts!
His mouth stretched almost to the back of his ears as he hurriedly put down the basket containing rice, flour, and meat.
He took the cloth bundle, raised his hand and touched the vest, the delicate feel of it made his heart ache.
"This must have cost a lot of money, right? The coat I'm wearing now will last me until I'm buried. What a waste of money."
Upon hearing this, Ye Li smiled and said, "Second Uncle, don't say such unlucky things. You can live for at least another fifty years. We are rich now, and we will wear new clothes every year from now on."
"Yes, Second Uncle, you're keeping watch at the workshop now, so you need to dress warmly."
Jiang Ji also said.
Jiang Rong, who was grinding soybeans not far away, was very envious of these words.
Both were on night watch, but he was wearing a new cotton-padded jacket made for him by his wife, Aunt Lu.
He didn't think the cotton-padded coat was bad at first; he wouldn't have been able to afford it in the past!
Compare this to Jiang Dahe, who already had a rabbit fur coat, yet Jiang Jiye bought an equally expensive vest this time!
This is so enjoyable!
The great river has truly seen its hardships come to an end.
...
No, wait until we're financially secure, then he'll get one too next year!
While Jiang Rong was having his daydreams, Jiang Dahe had already happily accepted the vest. He'd already bought it, so how could he return it?
He can wear it.
He grinned and said to Jiang Ji, "After you finish making the tofu, tell your second aunt to stew the meat. You and Li Ge'er can come and eat the meat."
Liang Erxiang, who was standing nearby, also said, "Have some more rice wine. It's so cold. Have some hot rice wine to warm up."
Ye Li smiled and agreed, "Okay, then we'll wait for Second Aunt's wine and meat."
Today we should indeed have some food and drinks with Jiang Dahe.
However, if they wanted to eat this meal sooner, both he and Jiang Ji had to help filter the soybean residue.
So he, Jiang Ji, and Jiang Ya fetched water to wash their hands.
This water was just carried over by Jiang Dahe. Although it hasn't frozen yet, it's already bone-chillingly cold.
As soon as Ye Li's hands entered the water, the cold made him shiver.
He couldn't help but say to Jiang Ya, "Ya-ge, why don't you skip the work today? The water's too cold."
Jiang Ya shook her head: "Fifteen coins, plus a five-coin subsidy. I want to work."
As he spoke, he put his little hand into the basin of water.
The water was too cold, making his little hands ache. He cried out in pain, his little face scrunched up like a bun: "So cold! So cold!"
But despite his shouts, he didn't pull his little hand out.
Making money is the most important thing!
He's going to Banxianju for a big meal.
Seeing this, Jiang Mai also squatted down to wash her hands.
Since we're already here, let's earn five coins while we're at it.
After washing their hands with bath beans, the family of four picked up a cloth bag and began filtering the bean residue.
Ye Li looked at Jiang Dachuan beside him and asked, "Uncle, do you know Jiang Ji's classmate Bao Beiyuan?"
"Bao Beiyuan? Isn't that the young man who stayed at Dahe's house last time?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Dachuan immediately inquired.
"Yes, yes, that's him."
Ye Li told Bao Beiyuan about his need for manpower and his intention to recommend Jiang Shun for help.
Jiang Dachuan never expected such a good thing to happen.
Go to the city to work!
The daily wage was still thirty coins, the same as in the workshop.
In this way, three people from their family ended up working in the workshop!
He said happily, "Okay! I'll go back and tell him, he'll definitely agree."
Jiang Dahe, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but speak up: "Xiao Bao is a good kid and hardworking. What happened last time was really scary. We should find someone to help him."
Jiang Dachuan said, "Dahe, don't worry, Xiaoshun is also diligent and won't slack off when he goes there."
"I know, big brother, don't worry. Xiao Bao has a good personality and won't bully Xiao Shun."
Jiangda River Channel.
After all, Jiang Tong had been bullied before, so he wanted to reassure Jiang Dachuan.
Jiang Dachuan was naturally relieved.
He knew about Bao Beiyuan's unfortunate past.
If Bao Beiyuan had been more assertive, he wouldn't have been kicked out of his home.
Furthermore, this job was introduced by Ye Li.
He definitely believes Ye Li!
And so the matter was settled.
After finishing making the tofu, Ye Li and Jiang Ji simply took the two little ones to Jiang Dahe's house to help make lunch.
Jiang Dahe originally planned to walk around the village several times when he received the birthday gift, so that the villagers would know about Ye Lijiangji's benevolence.
But Liang Erxiang was in a hurry to stew the meat.
Moreover, the villagers who were grinding soybeans all witnessed what happened just now, and the whole village will know about it tonight.
So he gave up the idea and took the meat home to stew it.
The meal wasn't ready yet when Jiang Shun arrived.
The fourteen-year-old boy has grown extremely tall in the past six months due to adequate nutrition, and is now as tall as Ye Li.
He thanked Ye Li with a smile and asked her what he should be careful about so as not to upset Brother Bao.
Ye Li carefully guided him, after all, Ye Li's original intention was to help Bao Beiyuan share the workload, not to cause him trouble.
Bao Beiyuan is easy to get along with; just don't bother him on ordinary days.
As for meals, Bao Beiyuan was in charge of them. Whether they ate out or cooked at home, Bao Beiyuan always paid for them.
However, if you're cooking at home, you'll have to be more diligent; you won't spend money, but you'll put in the effort.
Jiang Shun nodded, he understood.
Do more work and talk less!
He didn't stay for dinner at Jiang Dahe's house; he had to go home to pack his luggage.
Hehe, he's going to the city to work.
The county town is so lively!
He's going to live in the county town from now on!
After Jiang Shun left, lunch was ready at Jiang Dahe's house.
Pork stew with vermicelli, and wheat flour pancakes.
Ye Li not only made rice wine and egg drop soup, but also instructed Jiang Liu to make longevity noodles.
By Ye Li's standards, this birthday banquet was rather simple.
But for Jiang Dahe, this was an unprecedented abundance!
Liang Erxiang stewed all five catties of pork; there was more meat than vegetables.
There's so much oil on the broth; if you skimmed it off, you could stir-fry a whole pot of vegetables!
There was also longevity noodles, a rare treat that he was eating for the first time.
fragrant!
At the dinner table, Jiang Ji talked to him about renting out the farmland next year.
Sure enough, he was initially conflicted and reluctant, but he had no choice. He couldn't just give up his work in the workshop to go farming, could he?
Since Xiao Ji has asked him to be a landlord, then he should rent the land.
However, with the small amount of land his family owns, he can hardly be called a landlord. Once he renovates his house, he will buy land and become a real landlord!
He also reminded Ye Li and Jiang Ji: "Xiao Ji, you and Li Ge'er also need to buy land. Find out first, and if someone is selling, buy it quickly."
Ye Li smiled upon hearing this and explained, "Second Uncle, I plan to buy a courtyard house in the county town first. Next year, Xiaomai will also go to study at a private school. He is so young, he might not be able to adapt."
"He's not comfortable with it? Is it because you two want to see each other more often?"
Jiang Dahe's eyes swept over him and Jiang Ji several times.
Why are we bringing up wheat now?
Jiang Liu couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this. Of course, Xiaomai was innocent!
Ye Li wasn't embarrassed and was about to explain when Jiang Dahe said, "When the weather gets warmer, just have Xiao Ji come back by carriage every day. You can buy an oxcart and pick him up every day. It only takes half an hour to get home."
"Why would you need to buy a yard?"
"No yard smells as good as the fields."
Young people, you don't understand the value of farmland.
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